PC Tune Up and Clean Up

Tech Tuesdays PC Tune Up and Clean Up Class

Steps for Tuning Up your PC.

1.     In Programs and Features (Windows 7) or Add Remove Programs (Windows XP). Uninstall any programs that you no longer use. If you are in doubt about a program you can search for the program on the Internet. If you are still in doubt, leave it alone.

           

2.     Install and run CCleaner. Clean your system using the default settings. If you want to get a more in-depth cleaning, you can change some of the options.

3.     Next, Run the Registry cleaner from within CCleaner and remove clean all entries it finds.

4.     You may now want to go into Tools/startup on CCleaner. In here, only disable DO NOT DELETE any entries. If you make a mistake and remove something you need, you can go back later and enable it.

5.     Now open and run Disk Cleanup. This program comes with every Windows system. Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools in Windows XP and Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools and then select the options you wish to clean, and remember to clean the ‘system restore’ files under the ‘More Options’ tab if you feel you no longer need them. Click ‘OK’ to clean the files and remember when it is finished, there is the ‘Poof’ factor, meaning it won’t tell you when it is done, it will just disappear from your screen.

6.     If you’ve made it this far, it is time to run Disk Defragmenter. You can find Disk Defragmenter in the same location as Disk Clean up above. Highlight the drives you want to Defragment and click ‘Defragment Disk’. When it is done, it won’t disappear from your screen, but it won’t say ‘I’m finished’. Microsoft assumes a lot.

In Conclusion, if you your computer is running slow and you remove unwanted Programs and Files, and then Defragment your drive you should see a performance increase.

If you still do not see improvement, you may have malware/virus infection, or it may be hardware related, meaning you need a RAM or Hard drive upgrade. A full hard drive performs slowly.

Physical Cleaning or your computer

1.     With a Desktop Computer, use a can of compressed air outside on a clear day. Open the case side door, and remember you may have to take off the front cover. Blow out as much dust as you can. Blow out the power supply, processor fan, and any other fans and vents you find.

2.     With a Laptop Computer, use a can of compressed air on the bottom of the laptop and keyboard only. Do not spray on or at the display. You can cause dust particles to actually get behind the screen.

3.     For LCD screens, laptop screens and tablet screens I recommend a micro fiber cloth. You can get them at Staples, Wal-Mart or almost any store. Micro-fiber cloth will protect your screen against scratches. If your screen is extremely dirty, micro-fiber clothe with a little screen cleaner will work wonders.

4.     For CRT Screens and the outside of desktop computers I recommend Windex. Windex can be harsh on newer screens, but if you have an old CRT (big and fat) monitor, Windex will work on that and on the outside of most desktop cases.

     

Remember you can get files like CCleaner and Defraggler at the following URL

      http://www.filehippo.com/

     Below is the Audio and PowerPoints from the Class.